Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

“We need both men and women. You’ve probably seen that some of our clansmen returned with Oria and me the other day. I’m assuming others from the clan were also dispersed to other clans. I’m going to see about getting them home.”

John’s smile beamed wide. “That would be wonderful.”

“It would be nice to have our clansmen home,” Stuart said, returning to stacking the stones.

Royden saw Penn approach, a basket in hand, and he kept his voice low when he asked with a nod toward the man, “What do you think of him?”

“Seems decent enough, but I still question who it is he’s loyal to,” John said.

“I agree. Was it truly love that kept him here or was he told to find a woman and claim this as his home?” Stuart asked.

The three men turned silent, Penn getting closer.

“Bethany sent me with some sweets and an apology that she hadn’t offered you any. She says Angus is to blame for that,” Penn said with a grin.

The men couldn’t help but grin along with him, all but Royden.

John and Stuart waited for Royden to take a sweet cake. Royden realized out of respect they waited for him to take one first. He grabbed one, though not hungry, but once he bit into it that changed and he reached for another one.

He stopped before snatching another from the basket. “Emily and you have enough cakes?”

“More than enough cakes and food, sir. Bethany keeps us well supplied of which we are grateful,” Penn said.

Royden took another cake, leaving what remained for John and Stuart.

“Tell me, Penn, how do I get my clansmen home?” Royden asked.

He had planned on talking to Fergus about this, thinking the man had more influence with the leader of the mercenaries. However, he was curious as to how Penn would respond to such a request.

“Sir?” Penn asked as if not understanding.

“You’re no fool, Penn. You know what I ask,” Royden said, a touch of warning in his tone.

Stuart took the basket from the man. “Our clansmen, you took them.”

“We want them back,” John said and grabbed another cake.

“And not only the warriors who were taken captive to serve your leader, but our women and children as well. I want them all returned home,” Royden said. “If you can’t help me with that, then tell me who can.”

John and Stuart glared at Penn, waiting for an answer.

“Talk with Fergus,” Penn said. “I can’t say for sure that he can help, but he would be the one to talk to.”

“Tomorrow you’ll go and tell him I want to speak with him and I expect you to return with him,” Royden instructed.

“And no telling him about what Chieftain Royden has to say to him,” John warned.

“He’ll expect me to tell him,” Penn said and none of the men appeared surprised.

“Looks like his loyalty doesn’t lie with the clan,” John said, turning a threatening glare on Penn.

“I not only found love here but a happiness I never knew existed. I don’t want to lose it. My loyalty lies here with my new home, my wife, my son. I’d do anything to protect it all. The man, the leader who built the band of mercenaries, has an unforgiving soul and I fear him more than anyone. So I do what I must to keep those I love and care about safe,” Penn said.

“Then you’ll tell me all I ask and all I need to know?” Royden asked.

“I know little since I was an insignificant warrior in a band of many. I became significant when I volunteered to remain here,” Penn explained. “And I did that because I fell in love with Emily and couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her.”

“And your reward for sacrificing yourself?” Royden asked, “since I assume this leader commands you to remain here until otherwise told.”

“My reward is being able to remain here with Emily forever,” Penn said.

“And are you beholden to this leader forever?” Royden asked.

“If I want to live.”

Royden seemed to grow taller as his shoulders spread and his chest expanded with each step he took toward Penn. When he reached him, he poked Penn in the shoulder with his cuffed stub.

“Are you telling me that your leader intends to always have a foot in my clan?” Royden demanded.

“As I’ve said, I know little. Fergus would know more. But I can tell you that he planned on claiming this whole area for himself and I’ve never seen him not get what he wants.”

Oria paced in her bedchamber later that night, her thoughts not able to let go of what had happened in the solar. She had spent a good portion of her time since then thinking of nothing else but how she could handle the situation. Did she take time, learn more about the man Royden had become, or did she welcome the man he’d become into her bed without any thought or reservations?